Wavewalk Kayaks

Here’s a link to a new, funny blog post about Compulsive Kayak Fishing Disorder (CKFD).

Some anglers refer to themselves as being ‘fisholic’, and that’s basically the same thing, although phrased in different pseudo scientific terms

That new article is amusing, but it’s also serious, since anglers and paddlers who spend too much time in sit-in and SOT kayaks can develop chronic pain, especially in the lower back (yak-back) and eventually be forced to quit kayak fishing and paddling, as many do - and that’s too bad.

Enjoy the read, so you may enjoy the ride!

Since this question is an important one, I’ve decided to post this kayak fishing and paddling safety article on our main blog.

Thousands of kayak anglers are risking paddling and fishing accidents because of their kayaks’ poor ergonomics. The hazards are many and diverse:
First, there’s the danger of being unable to paddle back to shore, as a result of fatigue, and even exhaustion.
Strong wind and tidal current are external forces that could be hazardous to a tired kayak angler, especially if elderly or inexperienced. If your kayak makes you prematurely tired, you need to consider switching to something more comfortable that tracks and paddles better, namely a Wavewalk kayak.

Additionally, overheating in summer, and hypothermia in winter should not be underestimated, since they reduce your ability to paddle effectively and get back to your launching spot, and could even prevent you from getting back to shore.
If your kayak exposes you to cold wind and water, you should avoid paddling it under such circumstances, unless you’re willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a dry suit. Remember: wearing waders and boots while operating small boats is very dangerous, since such heavy clothing might prevent you from swimming, and from getting back into your boat, or kayak.

Furthermore, there’s the hazard of cramps, leg numbness and being practically paralyzed by pain in your back, or in your butt.

Cramps in your legs can be very painful, and last a long time if you can’t stand up safely and relax. Sit-in and SOT kayaks offer only one position, which is sitting in an L shape, with your legs pointing forward and being restricted by footrests. Paddling or fishing in this position for a long time is s recipe for cramps, and for leg numbness, which is not as dramatic, but still most unpleasant, and undesirable as far as paddling is concerned.
Both leg pain and leg numbness are also dangerous because they prevent you from balancing and maneuvering your kayak efficiently.

Pain in your back or butt is dangerous, since it can literally cripple you, and compromise your paddling efforts. Moreover, you might find yourself close to shore and still unable to beach your kayak, or get out of it, as Don, this California kayak angler describes in his kayak review:

-”I fished for 8 years in an [Brand, Model]. The “L” sitting position and it’s effect on my back is what finished standard kayaking for me… One day I beached the bow of that 16 footer and was still about 10-12 feet out in the water where I was sitting. I discovered I couldn’t move my legs. Getting out of that thing without causing all kinds of laughter from spectators was one of my greatest physical accomplishments.
I was sure I’d avoid those scenarios with the”W”, and I could hardly wait to find out all the wonderful differences.”

Read Don’s entire fishing kayak review >>

This is not a rare example, and in fact many people report experiencing similar things with their sit-in and SOT kayaks.
Actually, most kayakers and kayak anglers have grown used to frequently stopping their paddling and fishing, just to go on shore an ‘unkink’. This ‘unkinking’ basically means stretching, and allowing some rest for the sore back and aching legs. Stretching your legs and back improves circulation, and relaxes muscles and tendons.
Some kayak fishermen in warm regions just stand in the water, if it’s shallow enough. If such frequent ergonomic stops are impossible, the only solution anglers face is to cut short their fishing trip, and paddle back to their launching spot.

The combination of back pain or leg pain and cold is dangerous because the cold further contracts your muscles, and thus increases the pain, and therefor makes it harder for you to paddle.
Paddling in intense heat, especially if you’ve suffered from a sun stroke or dehydration is dangerous if you have pains, because such combination can increase the danger of premature fatigue and exhaustion.

Safety and ergonomics are closely linked in many products we use, including kayaks.

Here’s a new article discussing the issue of kayak fishing safety from a comfort perspective, that is comfort being a factor in your paddling and fishing safety:

Is An Uncomfortable Kayak Safe For Paddling And Fishing?

Needless to say that what is true for kayak fishing is true for kayak touring as well.

The first unofficial Wavewalk group fishing outing in Florida was held December 14, 2009 at Crystal River, Florida.  Gary Rankel, Ed Wheeler and I participated, fishing out of the new 2009 W500 fishing kayaks.  Ed and I were in our bright yellow boats and Gary was in his green “Packer Yaker” (the name of which I understood only after asking him about it–seems he is a life long Green Bay Packer fan with as much passion for the team as he has for fishing.)

We started the day at our usual breakfast place right on highway 19 in Crystal River the day with a hearty meal for the task ahead.  We hit the road in heavy fog, heading over to the Ozello area for launch from the parking area of a local seafood restaurant.   They have a great kayak and canoe launch directly off the lot and, as long as you park well away from the patron spaces, you are fine.  Besides, nothing beats a fried grouper sandwich at the end of a day of fishing and, since you are already there, why not partake?

We launched into water that was as smooth as a sheet of glass in the fog.  It was wonderful.  The temperature was ideal and only a few of the flying teeth (sand gnats) were bothering us.  We headed out on a falling tide using a large culvert to take us through to the other side of the bridge.  That saved us at least a mile of extra paddling while heading to Gary’s favorite fishing spots that he was anxious to share.  Our trip out was aided by the tidal flow, so each stroke was easy and effortless.

We began casting as soon as Gary indicated we had reached his spots.  I started right off with a small sea trout and soon after, Gary landed a really nice one.  I also managed to land a number of lizard fish on my lures.  These fish are not considered a game fish and serve only to keep the fish I really wanted from getting to my baits.

Our rigging was standard inshore Florida style.  We used both bait casting and spinning gear.  Ed and Gary used superlines, while I relied on mono for my bait casters and reserved the superline for my spinning tackle.  We used both fluorocarbon and mono leaders as the presentations dictated.  For lures, top waters are always a good choice in the Crystal river area.  Gary preferred the IMA Skimmer, a very thin pencil style top water from the Japanese bass fishing market, while Ed and I stayed with our proven Spook Jr’s and Mirrolures.  The baits all managed to produce hits, but the actual hookup percentage was low that day.  That’s why we call it fishing and not catching.

The entire day was memorable– both for the company and the adventure.  We saw lots of new water in a different way and enjoyed the antics of both birds and dolphins.  At one point, while we relaxed wading near a small island, two dolphins decided to share our fishing spot.  They were in a deeper cut a few feet from us, just ripping into schools of mullet.  Times like this show who the really talented anglers are– the ones that swim with the fish, to be exact.  Sure they ran off our quarry, but watching them is always fun.  Besides, who knows, maybe we can pick up a thing or two from the real experts in these waters?

We ended our day around 2PM and headed in back through the same culvert we used first thing in the morning.  With a slightly stronger incoming tide, that short ride was fun with the W500 shooting right through the center, using the paddle only to keep from hitting the sides.  A really remarkable thing that struck me about this whole day was the comfort we had fishing from these boats.  None of us are young men –I am the youngest at 55, both Ed and Gary are the 70 year old range.  Between us there have been back issues ranging from simple sciatic problems to major surgeries.  To a man, the W500 is a boat we could use easily and comfortable.  In any other fishing kayaks, our range would not have been as great and there would have been many more stops to get out for unkinking.  This trip was only the start.  There will be many more to come, fishing the waters off  Florida’s west coast in the world’s most comfortable and fishable paddle craft.

Jeff

Port Angeles, Washinton:

Here are a few pictures and a longer report on my new 500:

As a 72 year old who tries to stay active, I have been kayaking for about 10 years and have both sit in and sit on top kayaks. The problem has been that after an hour or so of paddling, the fun turns to a search for a place to land and take a stretch and get the circulation back in the lower half.

I have been following the evolution of the W kayak on it’s web site for several years as a possible solution to this problem and the introduction of the 500 really got my attention. The moving sale pushed me over the edge and I sent my order in.

Here are a few photos. On the maiden voyage, the first impression was of excellent stability and all kinds of room to move around and stretch or change position. After paddling around for a short while I just had to try the stand up mode. Initially that felt a little shaky but I found bracing ones legs against the seat firmed things up and made some stand up paddling fairly easy.

Best of all after quite a long paddle, the ability to move around kept me feeling fresh.

Next was a salmon fishing trip in the Strait of Juan De Fuca. The bench seat or even standing up made long cast easy.

But, as usual, the wife ended up catching the salmon. I did net it for her though, and the high seating position and great stability of the 500 made for a successful capture.

Thanks Yoav for making available a design that can extend the enjoyment of kayaking for us seniors for many years.

Ken Short

There’s a new article about the benefits of stretching in your kayak on the Painless Kayak Fishing blog.

Obviously, stretching in a sit-in or SOT kayak is wishful thinking at best, while anyone can stand up and stretch in any W kayak model (vertical stretching), and the W500 offers the possibility to lay down comfortably on the saddle, and stretch horizontally as well.

I am very satisfied with the kayak. I am thankful that you had invented such a model because it serves my purpose quite well.

The most important thing for me is that I can ride the kayak “straddled” [I.E. in the Riding Position] with my knees bent. I have a back condition that has made the past few years of using a regular canoe painful after a short time out. I must always kneel in a canoe because I cannot sit with my legs straight out in front of me without causing back pain.

I still can use the canoe but am limited to about 1/2 hour before I need to hit the beach and get out and stretch. Your design is much easier on my back and I can easily turn around when I need to stretch a bit. Also being reasonably light in weight and made from a polyethylene material makes it easy for me to get the kayak in the water and then back on my vehicle. A little bumping on the ground is not of much concern.

My balance and comfort level is improving however I wished when the weather was warmer (and a swim was not a problem in warmer water) I had pushed it to the limits. I was content just to go slow with getting a comfort level and now the water is to chilly to risk falling out…

I have yet to send you pictures because I am almost always out solo. It is quite hard to be out in the kayak on the water AND be on the beach at the same time taking pictures… .

Perhaps before the snow hits…and my kayaking is over for this year I may get some pictures.

James

I have back pain and  and have to say my w-500 is the most comfortable boat I’ve ever paddled. I had an unfortunate encounter with a bad chiropractor and have issues with L5 and sciatica now, and had tried SOT kayaks with bad results… but I could see the w kayak is entirely a different story after only one outing!

After I’ve had my w500 out for only 4 times and I could see that once you get your technique down it’s FAST, easily as fast as a 13′ kayak (if you’re in the aggressive mounted position)… and the leaning into a turn works really well, especially if you’re seated near the stern. I have gotten used to a milder cruising stroke in the seated position that allows me to paddle for literally hours with no problems or back pain (holding the paddle closer towards the center and letting the paddle and gravity do some of the work).

Last night I took it out into some choppier, high traffic areas and got a lot of inquiries from some sea-kayakers who were very impressed with a boat you can stand up in.

I am loving my w-500… After I’d been out about 6 times, took it out with a 230lb friend… I am an intermediate paddler and my friend had minor experience. After several failed attempts to paddle together I had him try it solo. He had a good sense of humor, and I’m not deterred!  Good times indeed!

I am very comfortable paddling it by myself now and spend 1/3 of the time paddling it standing, and get tons of inquiries. I’m getting questions from Salmon fishers and sailboats (mostly because I row near a fishing/sailing boat moorage now).

I did not try my W500 first before I ordered it, I simply did TONS of research and asked many people I know who are experienced. I am one of the very satisfied customers who’s incredibly happy with his decision, it was not hasty.
I was asked last night by some kayaker where he could try a w-kayak… i said “right here, right now… pull up to that dock and I’ll let you give her a spin”

The last 3 times I’ve been out on my w-500 was to lurk outside the fish ladder and watch the salmon return to spawn, kind of fun watching 24″ fish jumping all around you, oh but I have a better view than everyone else!

I have still yet to try my w-500 for fishing, but will soon once I find a few good nearby spots, and will be sure to take more pics.

Thanks again and happy paddling!

-=John




I finally took my new W500 to test up in the Michigan’s upper peninsula. Perfect weather awaited me as temps hit mid seventies and sunshine abounded for the three day trip. I logged plenty of fishing and paddling hours on the W500. I thought my original W300 was comfortable and stable, but for a guy my size the W500 is the perfect fit.

As always no yak-back was noticed. Tracking was great and paddling seemed even easier then the W300.
With the longer length it took a little more effort to turn in the river current but was well worth it do to the large amount of space to stretch out in and the added storage. I have not had the W500 out in rough water yet but if it handles similar to the 300 it should do great.
I am convinced that this is another winner. Great job Wavewalk, you have done it again.
I would suggest the W500 for anyone who is larger framed than the average.
The trip was great, however the rock bass moved in to the areas where I was catching walleye in June. I was never able to locate the walleye, however the small bass provided entertainment.

Friday I took a trip to a local lake. I decided to go through a channel that connects two lakes. I have been down the channel before with a regular boat but it would have been difficult to fish with the type of craft I was in. However I did see plenty of fish and I took notes of where the fish were holding in case I ever returned.
The W500 allowed me to sneak up and anchor just upstream from my first target with out being noticed. The first target was a boat dock on a bend in the channel which had a five to seven foot deep hole under it.
I started by fan casting one of my favorite lures a floating minnow. Three fan casts produced nothing. Then I decided to drift a leech into the hole. Bam, a nice largemouth broke the water and put up a tremendous fight in the current. Two more casts, two more fish. I got complacent, after all how many fish could this little hole hold?. My bad, I cast my forth cast and turned to adjust my anchor when a huge bucket mouth jumped and shed my hook into the air. I know what your thinking, yea the biggest fish of the day always gets away! Well it did.

One hour later and over twenty fish later I realized what a honey hole I had discovered, and thanks to the W500 I was able to stay stealthy and present the bait precisely where it had to go. It was obvious that these fish haven’t had a lot of pressure on them, they had no hook marks on their lips.

I proceeded down the channel which only averaged a foot deep, but I anchored before every bend and had success all day. I ran out of my three dozen leeches and called it a day after three exciting hours.
Who would of thought this little channel could hold all those fish and even some quality fish.
Light gear and current made the action fun. These are fish I would have not been able to catch with out the W500. Large mouth, small mouth bass, and pike were all caught and released. I want to be able to repeat this day again next year.

One photo shows some add-ons. Drink holder, rod holder, and paddle holder to hold net in front and easy to grab, this seemed to work out really well.
Thanks again for a great boat,
John


Read previous blog posts by John Fabina:

John’s Tiger-Camo W500

John’s review of his W300 fishing kayak

Here’s an update on my latest trip in my W500:
Hot humid (92 degrees) with slight winds.
I went to Rainbow Reservoir, it’s a dammed area of the Farmington river in Ct.
I headed down to some submerged trees in 26 Feet of water, pulled out the drop shot and started working it through the center of the tree, letting it drop fast to the bottom, and a little shake, pause, then I reeled up a few cranks, pause, shake.
As I moved the bait closer to the surface, I mean inches from the surface, the drop shot got slammed!!
A Tail walking Smallie, came up did 2 flips, but was put quickly in the net.

As I moved to the outside edge of the tree I dropped it down to 26′, paused, gave a little shake, wait, reel again 3 more cranks, pause, shake………………..BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy Cheese on Rice, one quick push with my paddle, and a well timed gust of wind, all my rod tip is doing is pumping down towards the water, my reels drag tighted as much as I dare, and they it all STOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR can’t reel, snagged or wrapped up on something, dropped my tip, pushed back with my paddle one handed, let the line slack just a little, then I felt movement………………………………free…………………up she comes with a Big Friggin Splash, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz my drag is screaming!!
Up again and does a flop on her side……………….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…., holding my rod tip high, finally gaining ground I get her near the surface then she digs in, straight for the Bottom, I just hold on, bow my rod into the water, and start reeling her in again, she is tired.
I get her close, scoup that net and She’s Mine!! YeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
20 1/2″ Long!!!!! 4.15 on my scale. Man if this fish was fat, she would have tipped 5lbs easy.
She was pretty beat up, not sure why, I quickly shot a couple of pictures, and held her lip to revive her, a quick flip and of
her tail, a splash right in my face, she swam away strong.
Wiping my face with a towel, and a big shiteating grin, I didn’t care if I caught another fish after that.
My hands were shaking so bad, I just had to stop and sit, and Smile!
Caught too many bass to count, hit the water at 11:00am and was off at 6:30pm.

No Back pain or Leg pain, 7 1/2 hours of pure fishing and paddling Heaven in my W500.

Tight Lines All
Rox




By Jeff McGovern

In preparation for comparison to the new W500 I have been spending time “relearning the joys” of sit inside and sit on top kayaks.

Besides the obvious back issue already known there is the concern of shoulder pain. I have had some discomfort, but in talking to a few other fellow kayak fishermen they mentioned the pain associated with casting from the awkward L position. I noticed soreness the next day trying to power out long casts from the L position. It was far easier to just get out and wade since in the standing position the casts were braced.

I think in many cases the so called fishing kayaks are really just fishing transport devices, since actually fishing from them is a constant compromise. Many times getting out on a suitable bank or sand bar is far more comfortable. Besides, in many sit on tops the wet butt syndrome leads to other comfort problems down the road…

If we compare a standard cast from the W kayak to a cast from a sit on top we see two different things entirely: The sit on top cast is a controlled flail with the hope for distance and accuracy. It is many times followed by a winch from the angler as they deal with the pain. A cast from the W kayak is a powerful controlled launch that accurately places the lure right where it needs to be. It’s quite a difference, and one that can only be experienced - it is difficult to describe.

I’ve mentioned the Emmrod fishing rods before both in articles on the your site, and in articles for Emmrod itself. Out of the W kayak the Emmrod casting rods are deck guns in power and distance. The W riding position allows the angler to use the Emmrod to it’s fullest. From the L position that same rod on a cast will not get the same results.

Here’s another ‘myth busting bomb’ on the Painless Kayak Fishing blog: It’s called “Kayaks, Back Problems, Lumbar Support - and the Simple Truth”

Basically, it details how sit-in and SOT kayak seats don’t offer lumbar support but rather inflict lumbar abuse on kayak paddlers and kayak fishermen alike.

Personally, the more I think of it the I’m outraged by what’s going on in the kayak market, and professionally, I’m dumbfounded by the fact that you hardly hear anybody talking about these big and painful issues that affect so many people.

It may be a ‘dirty little secret’ for those kayak professionals who are aware of it, but it’s a major problem for all those regular people who don’t.

Yoav




Kayaking, Leg Numbness, Leg Pain and Sciatica is the latest blog post on the new Painless Kayak Fishing blog.

Something tells me that it’s going to make some people angry, but it’s also going to give food for thought to a lot more people - paddlers and fishermen who are either considering kayaks, using them, or have already given up because of back problems, which are at the root of most leg problems.

This new article examines the roots of lumbar back pain that so many people suffer from when paddling their sit-in and SOT kayaks and fishing from them. It’s called Lumbar Spine and Kayak Back Pain: Facts. It’s a must read because you won’t find this kind of discussion anywhere else, and if you like kayak fishing or just kayaking you obviously have concerns about your back.

This is a new blog called Painless Kayak Fishing.

It offers articles, testimonials and links to kayak fishing back pain related information.

This is an article about the kayak L position

Ben Ciliberto, a kayak carp fisherman from Pennsylvania, rigged his 3 W300 kayaks especially for stand up carp fishing. This is a picture of two of them:

Ben writes:

“Back’s improving albeit slowly.

The two kayaks, sided by side in the garage have gotten many comments and inquiries, but unfortunately not much use! The new one has still not touched water (but is rigged),– I have had mine out twice so far—high water, work, vacations have really crimped my schedule! I’m ready to roll when time permits!

Sure has been great that even with a ruptured L4 disc, and bulging L3—I can paddle and use the W without pain or aggravation!!

Ben”

Read more about Ben’s fly fishing kayaks

Tim Kerr is a kayaker, and member of a kayaking club in Buffalo, New York. He came to West Newton, Massachusetts, tested the W500, and ordered one right away. Here is his review:

Buffalo, New York. June 29, 2009
The Wavewalk W500 has allowed me to return to the water!

After suffering from sciatica that developed after using my single hull kayak earlier this year, I searched for a more comfortable boat. Not only did I find the Wavewalk, I was immediately taken with its unique design that allows people like me with degenerative disk disease (I’m fifty-one) to lay back and rest, sit up straight or even stand and stretch out.

Kayaking is not for everyone but the Wavewalk opens the door for so many people that may have tried the sport and then gave it up because it just plain hurts their back. I’ve got a crushed disk that hates it when I stick my legs forward and then try to paddle as in a single hulled boat. The “saddle” combined with the twin hulls in the Wavewalk is a great invention.

I took the boat into the inner harbor in Buffalo. I didn’t try to lift it myself, I’ve got to be careful about such things. I brought along two extra items, a little waterproof pad to sit on, and a camera box on a leash. Attached are some pictures taken on my second day out. I spent the entire morning in the boat without back pain. The next day I was fine–no sciatica.

PS, I drove nine hundred miles in two days to try this boat, to be sure it was right. I’m glad I bought it. I’m “back” in the water again…

Tim Kerr

Tim beaching and getting out the W way: From the front, and without getting his feet wet

Added June 27, 2009:

-”Crossed the Niagara River last week. Was I the first in a Wavewalk? Paddling is going well. Going out to Lake Erie to play in some waves for the first time today…. Getting used to carrying it on the car and made a shelf in my garage for winter storage.”

Update from August 2009: Tim’s first movie W kayaking on Lake Erie, Pennsylvania

November 2009: Watch Tim’s Kayak Reentry Movie From Niagara River, NY

Norm Craig, a from Rhode Island, had serious back surgery only months ago, and realized he couldn’t go fishing in a canoe or a regular kayak. He became the first fisherman to use our new W500 for kayak fishing. He wrote this fishing kayak ‘mini review’ immediately after taking it on water for the first time, and today he sent us his second impression:

-”Beautiful morning with the big W:

Don Rainey is a seasoned kayak fisherman who decided to switch from traditional fishing kayaks to the Wavewalk kayak because his back and legs wouldn’t let him go on…

Don tells in his fishing kayak review that it took him some time to master his new W kayak, and he found out that not only was his back and legs feeling good, for a change (which he had expected), but he could in fact fish under conditions that would have previously forced him to stay home, including strong winds and chop:

“All fish were caught in extremely windy conditions with a good bit of a swell going on. I probably wouldn’t have ventured out in those conditions with my old kayak.”

John Fabina recently got his new W fishing kayak, and this is his first report from a fishing expedition, with the kayak rigged for fishing:

-”I ventured out today to try to find crappies or blue gills. I tried two lakes, water temps were in the low 40’s. I found fish but I couldn’t coax them to bite. It may be a little early yet. More importantly it was my first time out on the W with fishing gear. Out for six hours on two lakes and no back fatigue!

My fish finder mount is a portable unit that came with a plastic base and battery holder. It also came with a nylon soft case which I removed and will use for ice fishing.

Sometimes the best set up is the easiest. I simply used the W’s bungee to secure plastic base and added a safety cable. It is very secure. I mounted the transducer sideways on the bracket and attached it with the suction cup on the side of the W. It worked great. Now we just need the water to warm up.

John”